Lacewing Benefits Plants

Scientific Name: Chrysoperla sp.

Nickname: Lacewing, Green Lacewing

Appearance/Size:

Varies in size depending on species. Brown Lacewing adults are 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch in size. Most species are normally green or brown in color.

Prefered Habitat:

They like the shade, does not like to be in direct sunlight. Adults need nectar/pollen or honeydew to stick around. Reports show spraying plants with a diluted sugar/water mix keeps them around longer.

Reproduction:

A female can produce 100-200 eggs in her lifetime. Eggs take 1-3 weeks to fully mature into adults. They will go through 4 stages (Egg, Larvae, Pupae and Adult). Eggs are laid on a “string” for protection.

Eat:

Green Lacewing larvae eat insects that destroy vegetable plants. They eat insects like spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, leafhoppers, and pest moths. They use their mouthparts to puncture bodies of prey and extract body fluids.

Release Rates:

About 500 eggs per 100 square feet. Release once every 3 weeks and adjust applications as necessary to infestation.  Adults are known to be crepuscular or nocturnal. Meaning they hunt during the night, at least they prefer.